Autobianchi Bianchina Classic Cars for Sale

The Autobianchi Bianchina was a mini or city car based on the Fiat 500 and available as a saloon, roadster, convertible, station wagon, and van. Launched in 1957, the final Autobianchi Bianchina rolled out of production in 1977. During the last 7 years of its production, the car was marketed as the Autobianchi Bianchina Giardiniera and was available in a station wagon or van configuration.

Early History Of The Autobianchi Bianchina

Autobianchi was collectively formed by Bianchi, Pirelli, and Fiat. Bicycle manufacturers Bianchi determined that the only way they could viably produce, market, and sell cars would be with the backing of bigger and more experienced partners. They approached Fiat and Pirelli in 1955 and an agreement was signed between the three companies to form Autobianchi. The triumvirate each had their own roles – Fiat would provide the components and technical frame, Pirelli the tyres, and Bianchi the bodywork.

Launch Of The Autobianchi Bianchina

2 years later, in 1957, the first Bianchina rolled off the production line at the company’s purpose built 140,000 square metre plant in Desio. The car utilised the Fiat 500 technical design, but saw Fiat designer Luigi Rapi create a custom designed body for the new production car. The Bianchina was a city car but its models included a number of premium features that meant it was at the luxury end of the market.

Autobianchi Bianchina Models

Between 1957 and 1962, the Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile had a soft top landau style roof, and the company released the cabriolet in 1960. This range ran until 1969 alongside the Berlina which was a two door saloon produced between 1962 and 1969. The Panoramica station wagon, or three door estate, was available between 1960 and 1969. Two van style models were also produced between 1965 and 1977 and called Furgoncino.

Autobianchi Bianchina Giardiniera

From 1970 to 1977, consumers could also buy the Autobianchi Bianchina Giardiniera, which was based on the estate version of the Fiat 500 Giardiniera. It had the same 499 cc engine as other models of the Bianchina at the time, but the layout of the interior provided much more space. The engine was housed under the floor at the rear, offering a flat boot space, and the roof ran along the entire length of the car. As well as the station wagon version of the Giardiniera, a van version was also made available.

The Fall Of The Autobianchi Bianchina

By the time the Bianchina Giardiniera was launched, Bianchi had already been forced to sell its stake in the company and the marque had become a part of the Fiat brand. Bianchi still manufactures bicycles, while the modern Fiat 500 could arguably be placed in the same family as the Autobianchi Bianchina launched back in the 1950s.